River Island: Pastels and Florals

Students everywhere breathed a sigh of relief when River Island finally decided to offer a 10% discount on their much loved collections. This has come just in time for this season’s new looks which include pretty pastels and flirty florals.

€33.00

The highstreet brand takes pastel shades in another direction this season by combining lilac and leather to create an edgy mini skirt in a pretty shade. (€33.00) A light pink leather pencil skirt is also available which will brighten up the usual boring work wear colours of grey and black. (€127.00)

€127.00

If floral print and darker shades are what you prefer then the black print scuba tube skirt retails at just €30.00. Falling to just below the knee, the tube skirts hugs your figure (beware) and is a statement piece perfect for a spring occasion.

€30.00

The pastel epidemic continues on to the classic blazer, something no working girl can do without. Gone are the days where your only blazer resembled your brother’s confirmation suit and here to stay are the shapely and colourful numbers available today. A pink blazer with an inverted collar retails at €60.00 and is a great option for those who don’t like bulky collars and rather a cleaner cut.

€60.00

The red floral silhouette print blazer means you certainly will not be missed and perfect teamed with dark skinny jeans and a statement necklace. (€65.00)

€65.00

No one can forget the lyrics ‘Who likes short shorts? We like short shorts…’ and no one can argue with them either. Short shorts are as popular as ever but in this weather it’s likely we will be restricted to a night out or, for those lucky enough, a holiday. They are still worth a purchase simply for their peachy colours and vivid prints. Florals and pastels are combined in the floral print wrap skort for €40.00.

€40.00

The classic high waisted denims are available this season in light pink and light orange tones for €30.00.

€30.00

€30.00

Louis Vuitton-Paris Fashion Week

Flicking through the colourful images from Louis Vuitton’s A/W 14 collection it is as if you are catapulted back in time to the quirky style of ‘That 70’s Show’.

Under new designer Nicolas Ghesquiere the pressure was on for the brand to maintain its covetable reputation this season at Paris Fashion Week. Taking over from none other than Marc Jacobs, Ghesquiere created an eye catching collection filled with vintage prints, skater mini skirts and waist cinching belts.

The opening look on the runway prepared the audience for the modern but vintage brilliance that was to come. A black trench coat with a sharp, clean cut tangerine collar over a cream turtle neck shift dress opened the show displaying clean lines femininity and Parisian chic.

The trench coat and skater dress were combined to create an A-line number with front zip detailing and of course a belted waist. Shoulders were subtly defined by the upper section of the piece balancing the short A-line skirt element.

Accessories were not neglected and how could they be with bags by this brand being a wardrobe necessity in many fashion lovers’ view. Next season would not be complete without an array of boots in all shaped and sizes. This collection featured black leather knee highs plus some brown patent ankle highs with buckles.

As for the bags, a rectangular satchel with fasteners similar to that of a jewellery box and sporting the classic Vuitton print was enough to say job well done.

Pictures:

http://au.lifestyle.yahoo.com/marie-claire/fashion/runway/galleries/photo/-/21851254/louis-vuitton-paris-fashion-week-a-w-2014-show/21851529/

http://fashion.telegraph.co.uk/columns/lisa-armstrong/TMG10677750/Louis-Vuitton-autumnwinter-2014-at-Paris-Fashion-Week.html

 

NYFW- BCBG Max Azria

Dramatic prints, dark tones and rich fabrics sum up the luxurious catwalks of New York Fashion Week. Many a designer pulled out all the stops to showcase their Autumn/Winter 2014 collections but in my opinion one stood out from the crowd.

BCBG Max Azria AW14

Kicking off NYFW BCBG Max Azria, a fashion favourite with celebrities, displayed structured pieces with pastel coloured detailing. Oversized outerwear featured heavily in the collection creating layers and length. Accessories included knee high leather boots and large black clutch bags. An array of fur littered the outfits from furry snoods and collars to sumptuous muffs and scarves.

BCBG Max Azria AW14

The use of lines throughout the clothing’s design added symmetrical elements to the already structured looks. However the designer opted for lengthy flowing skirts to balance the designs and add femininity. This aesthetic collection lit up the runway with beautiful, elegant and classy pieces certainly stealing the show.

BCBG Max Azria AW14

The fantasy woman inspiring the designs of BCBG Max Azria appeared to ooze class, wealth and confidence. Monochrome is a her best friend but with a futuristic twist. Digital prints and luxurious textures complete the wardrobe of this everyday fashionista.

The Ankle Strap

Spring’s ultimate must have heel includes the dainty ankle strap. Not only does this extra piece of material help to hold your foot in place when walking, dancing or even running in your heels but it creates a feminine and sultry look.

Street Style

Now you can pick up a pair of these classy shoes in any high street shop. Topshop, Forever 21 and Penneys are just three chains that are favouring the sandals this season, stocking many different versions in statement colours.

Olivia Palermo

It must be said that a fresh pedicure or clean nail polish is a necessity donning these heels. Anyone that is conscious of their feet in any way you might feel a tad naked in these.

Forever 21 €35.90

Topshop (Kurt Geiger) €350.00

Topshop (Kurt Geiger) €125.00

For an easy €15.00 Penneys offer a leather effect nude pair with a hot pink heel. They are the perfect way to add some colour to your dark winter wardrobe. Forever 21 began with the classic black suede style and have now branched out to pairs with metallic details. These retail at €35.90.

Rihanna

Block heeled version of the ankle strap heels are available at Topshop, if the kitten heel style is not for you. However these are by designer Kurt Geiger and range from €125.00 to €350.00. If I had the funds, I would.

Amanda Seyfried

Bold Brows

The days of plucking until there’s nothing left have been thankfully left in the past. Taking notes from the likes of Cara Delevingne women are now embracing big brows or at least ditching the ‘few hairs in a straight line’ look.

Cara: Bold Brows

Even if your eyebrows are reasonable in colour, they will never look as good as they can with a little extra colour and a fuller shape. You don’t have to have eyebrows as full and dark as Cara’s to achieve a big brow, it all depends on what you have to work with.

Camilla Belle

Mary-Kate Olsen

Recently I’ve used a HD brows palette (€30.00) until it fell and broke into little messy pieces. The palette was handy it had a light blonde colour along with three shades of brown so allowed for mixing-this creates a more natural look. The powder worked but often the application was difficult. To avoid the cost of another palette I opted for a very affordable eye brow pencil from Catrice (€2.99). A cheap solution that works, it is not to heavy or too light and comes with a brush on one end to fix stray hairs.

HD Brow Palette

Catrice Brow Pencil

Catrice Brow Pencil

Tips:

Don’t over-pluck. Remove hairs to create a natural arch which should peak at the outer edge of your iris.

To avoid the unintentional angry eyebrow look ensure you brush your pigment onto the hairs of the brow and not the skin.

Start applying from just before the arch of the brow and continue to the end. Use a brush to blend the pigment already applied into the corner of your eyes to maintain a natural brow.

Sheer Perfection

Will you dare to bare? This new Spring/Summer 14 trend is spiraling women into the summer spirit with sheer garments popping up across the high street. 

Sheer Detailing

Sheer Pastels

 

It featured heavily on the catwalks of SS14, with Burberry Prorsum in particular, making quite the impression. The summer months give us all a chance to finally bare some skin following months of endless winter cover ups. Whether abroad or at home (chances are slim in Ireland) this trend can work for you as it is flirty, stylish and more wearable than you think. 

Topshop €46.00

ASOS €5.62

Although it seems all is revealed through this sheer fabric, if the correct sheer print is picked you can still be relatively covered up. Sheer skirts are for the brave and an investment in suitable underwear to compliment the skirt is strongly advised. Pastel print sheer maxi skirts were rampant at Burberry Prorsum’s Spring/ Summer 14 show perfect for warm summer nights.

If you’re looking for a more subtle way in which to wear this trend then sheer stripes are for you. High street stores such as Topshop are beginning to add sheer elements to their ranges. Light jumpers with sheer stripe detailing are chic and flattering. ASOS are stocking sheer preppy ankle socks, a great summer accessory.

Burberry Runway Shots

If you have to cover up try a sheer shawl or cardigan as a trendy alternative. So dare to bare in pastel shades this spring and leave wooly winter days behind.

Varsity Trend

America, campus, football, basketball, hockey and a bit of ‘swag’ all combined to create the ever growing trend that is Varsity. Whether it’s a daring snapback or a varsity jacket you’re wearing this season you will be one of many supporting the trend that depicts student life itself. Cool, casual and aesthetic is a good description of the jersey themed tops which Topshop and Penneys have in stock this autumn/winter.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

A trip to Urban Outfitters last week made my day when I came across not jersey inspired tops but actual jerseys in dark purple and yellow trimmings. On sale for just €12 these were like something you would see in The Mighty Ducks. Remember that? Classic. Trust Urban Outfitters to get some memorabilia in. Varsity lets people who don’t like exercise, are not talented at sports or are simply a bit lazy to feel a part of a ‘team’. A non-existent one, but still.

Androgynous Trend

Autumn/Winter 2013

She looked the epitome of class when two days ago Emma Stone stepped out in a Band of Outfitters suit for The Amazing Spider-Man 2 photo call. An autumn/winter 2013 trend taken straight from the catwalks where designers such as Jonathan Saunders, DKNY and Burberry Prorsum first set the ball rolling.

Emma Stone

With this trend you can take it to the extreme with a slicked back ponytail and high collared shirt or else add femininity with a colour block blouse to tone it down but still make a statement. Emma Stone went for the paired back look teaming her suit with an open collared blue blouse and red heels by Kurt Geiger. The jacket is fitted while the pants are high-waisted and cropped giving the actress the appearance of longer legs. Her loose blonde wavy locks and round sunglasses keep this look cool, chic and wearable.

Cara Delevingne is another lady in the spotlight who sports this trend on and off the catwalk. For Burberry she showcased a very feminine see through pencil skirt with an animal print body suit. Although the materials are bold and risky the cut and tailoring were classy and modest. Yet another way in which to work this masculine trend into you’re wardrobe.

The androgynous trend is not just about channeling some masculinity through your outfit, it is also about feeling empowered as a working woman. No British celebrity does self empowerment through androgyny quite like Victoria Beckham. Her own designer range of clothing is clean cut and full of blocks of colour. It is meticulously tailored to look simple but striking. When it comes to putting a suit together she is her own inspiration. Do as Victoria has if you feel the suit jacket and pants teamed together is too much and pair your blazer with a structured A-line skirt instead. This makes the trend a lot more wearable for people who feel full suits just don’t suit them. Pun unintended.

Spiderman 2 Photocall

Wrap Skirt

It appeared on the catwalks as far back as Autumn/Winter 2012 and now the wrap skirt is back as a key winter essential. Over the past few months this classy yet chic trend has gained momentum and is currently at its peak. You can’t enter a high street shop without finding the wrap skirt in a couple of unique patterns or colours so whether you want to make a statement or just simply be on trend there is a style for you.

Topshop €59.00

To get the most out of this skirt yes it would help to have long lean legs but not at all necessary. At the point where the garment wraps a triangle shape is created giving a flirty edge to this mini. It’s all about working the item into your wardrobe to suit your figure. Yes it is also true that unless styled correctly you could find yourself looking like a young schoolgirl having rolled their lengthy skirt up a few inches resulting in a lop-sided effect (hopefully this isn’t your aim).

Boohoo.com €16.00

In order to keep this trend sophisticated and not like the above description focus on the skirt’s fit, colour/pattern and length when buying. What you team it with is also very important to get the best styling result. The correct fit is easy to establish, once it sits comfortably just above your hips and the material is not being distorted for example creating a wider triangle than on the hanger than it suits. It is essential to try on an item such as this before purchasing to get the right size.

Missguided.co.uk €16.30

When it comes to colour and pattern for women with smaller hips you can pretty much wear them all, focus on which colours compliment your hair and skin colour instead. For those with wider hips darker colours and simple patterns are best. Back to the legs. When you arn’t blessed with lean long legs this style of skirt can still work for you. The wrap skirt can be worn in a longer length giving more coverage, being more flattering for some and remaining trendy. ASOS do pencil wrap skirts which fall to just above the knee while stocking long flowing metallic wrap skirts as well.

ASOS €168.48

Unlike other trends this season the wrap skirt comes with versatility. A longer version for the office, teamed with tights for a casual day look or a flirty mini for a night out the wrap skirt is a must have for your winter wardrobe. Team with a delicate blouse or cami with plenty of layers to bring a bit of leg into December.

ASOS €20.89